Discrimination

The characters in Steinbeck's novels often speak in the dialects of their regions (usually California) and also in a way that is realistic for their particular place in history (usually the 1930s but also indicative of the time of Steinbeck's death, which is 1968).

As a result of this, racist and other culturally insensitive language is employed in his literature.

However, Steinbeck, as the voice of his work, does not necessarily come off as being insensitive to civil rights.

In fact, in his travel log titled Travels with Charley in Search of America, Steinbeck kicks a man out of his recreational vehicle (which he had named Rocinante as homage to Don Quixote) for regarding him as a "n*gg*r lover."

Coupling this with, say, Crooks in Of Mice and Men, who is a discriminated stable buck, Steinbeck can be said to be sympathetic to civil rights issues.

Answer: In the 1970's, legislation was passed to make racial vilification illegal. This included any term that may describe somebody of a certain ethnic origin in a derisive manner. This has evolved to the point where people cannot be described, without the greatest care being taken, to avoid any reference to racial origin, racial appearance, skin colour, religion, etc.

This has now devolved to the point where any non-Anglo/Celtic descended person who is disappointed by the outcome of a job interview, etc, has only has to suggest the word "racism" and they are made instantly and overjoyously happy by a reversal of the decision.

Answer: Probably because there are many in Australia who'd rather ignore the persisting racial issues, and inevitably things grow to a point where it can no longer be ignored. Also, racists are not exclusive to any one country, so it's not surprising their ignorance and hatred would be spread throughout Australia as well as other countries of the world.

Answer: Because it makes someone feel bullied and left out.

It would be like a black sheep being left out of a herd of white sheep because of its colour. It feels horrible if someone makes you feel different from others.

Answer: What's true is that in terms of race, we are and aren't different from one another. We are different because it's obvious we are different shades, and we aren't because it's also obvious we are all human beings. What's hurtful about racism is when someone makes you feel to be different than them is wrong and disgusting, and that they may never have an open mind towards their fellow human being.

The missing word is determined.

B) Some governments have used it as a means to exert power even though the basis for racial discrimination is unfounded.

The (ignorant) KKK don't like- African-americans, Jews, catholics, (illegal) immigrants, homosexuals, and several other social types.

Honestly, I think they are ignorant and stupid redneck white trash Americans who don't think. They just make up stupid ideas about other people's way of life.

Okay, judging by this response the guy above was NOT from the south. The KKK was originally made by white men angry that the south had lost the war and the blacks HAD RIGHTS. The KKK has their own religion, if someone does not fit their description of a human or is not in their religion, they are sinners and should die.

The KKK originated in May 1866.

Black people are not, as a group, any more ignorant than any other ethnicity or nationality. Condi Rice, as a single example, is arguably one of the most intelligent people alive today; she is black and no credible individual could ever call her ignorant. There are certainly millions of extremely intelligent black people in the world, just as there are groups of ignorant and undereducated people of all races.

In the end, it all comes down to opportunity, motivation, health, and financial ability to pursue education. If a parent has the financial ability to be home from work to be with the child to properly teach and guide them in all aspects of life (education being one of the most important), then that child will have a better chance to become another Condi or Obama, as long as they have the normal capacity to learn (which is in no way race-specific) along with opportunity, motivation, health, and finances. Without proper guidance from parents or another role model, the child can have less curiosity and a lowered desire to learn.

But, obviously, in the US nowadays, there is an enormous imbalance in opportunity and finances between the rich and the poor and the middle class becomes smaller and smaller as the economy and lack of jobs pushes them into the poor category.

It is the social inequity that makes educational opportunity less available to people of all types in the US rather than genetics. That means more than before, better education is being provided to those who have the financial means to go to school rather than to the general public through government programs and opportunities. The poor have to work many more hours (if they are lucky enough to be employed) to support themselves and family, leaving precious little time for educational pursuits.